Equality Federation is Growing!

In the last five years, Equality Federation has grown by leaps and bounds! Our strategic growth has allowed us to roll out field and targeting support to all 50 states, increase our ability to track and provide rapid response during state legislative sessions, and grow our leadership programs to include training and support for fundraising, communications, and organizing staff of member groups. We’re proud of the impact our growing team has in building the strength and capacity of our state-based movement.

As we take on the increasing attacks on our community at the state level (from bathroom bills to anti-trans ballot measures) and strategize for victories like banning conversion therapy, we need a smart, nimble team that can help us win. We’re thrilled to welcome two new staff members and announce the promotion of one of our current staffers.

Welcome Policy & Advocacy Associate, Ana Hernández!In November, we welcomed Ana Hernández to the team. As Policy & Advocacy Associate, Ana will track and analyze bills in the states on a broad range of issues affecting LGBTQ people, so Equality Federation can provide critical resources to and develop the advocacy capacity of our partners on the ground. Ana is also responsible for supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive HIV policy change initiatives in an innovative project in partnership with three state coalitions of people advocating for the rights of people living with HIV and/or those who are LGBTQ.

Ana brings extensive skills in capacity- and movement-building and critical analysis developed over twenty years in social change efforts to build the leadership of and advocate for people of color, lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, people with disabilities, women, and victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Her experience includes New York City’s LGBT Community Center, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects. Ana lives in Chicago.

Welcome Administrative Associate, Josh Stickney!Our newest member of the team will start next week. Josh Stickney will be Equality Federation’s Administrative Associate, responsible for the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations for fund development, communications, and program needs.

Josh’s career has focused on creating political change by electing more LGBTQ leaders and allies to public office. Since 2014, Josh has worked on key campaigns across Oklahoma and the country as both an operative and consultant. Prior to joining Equality Federation, Josh was a Junior Partner at Skyfire Media and the Finance Director for a statewide campaign. Josh lives in Oklahoma City with his partner, Tanner, and their Goldendoodle, Rey. Josh loves college football, acoustic covers, and traveling.

Congratulations on Your Promotion, Mel King!Mel King has been with Equality Federation since 2016. He started as the Program Associate and has recently been promoted to the Development and Operations Manager. In this new role, Mel will be managing our entire grants portfolio, as well as supervising our new Administrative Associate and our part-time grantwriting consultant. He will continue to serve as the staff liaison to Equality Federation’s Board of Directors. Congratulations, Mel!